Q. What is the difference between a replicated CD or DVD and a duplicated CD-R or DVD-R?A. Disc replication and Disc duplication provide a very similar end result - an exact copy of your master disc. The primary difference is the way in which it is produced. During the duplication process, data from your master disc is recorded (burned) onto a prefabricated recordable disc (CD-R or DVD-R). Replication involves the actual creation of a disc from raw materials using an injection molding process-the data is stamped (pressed) into the disc as it is created. Replicated discs are also less prone to scratching.

Q. What is the turnaround time? A. Typical turn time on a Long run CD/DVD order is 8-10 working days (m-f). Short run orders range from 5-7 business days depending on order specifics. The turn time begins when we have a working master and approved artwork. Most orders that we receive involve critical time schedules. We can quote your quick-turn project as well!

Q. Should I use CD or DVD replication or duplication?A. The difference in quality and compatibility between a replicated and duplicated disc is minimal, assuming quality media is used in duplicating the disc. The key factor in determining which method to use is generally the size of the run. If your quantity requirement is small (500 or fewer), duplication is probably most appropriate. For orders of 1000 units or more, replication is usually the best choice.

Q. What is a glass master?A. A glass master is a specially treated piece of glass used to transfer the data from your CD-R or DVD-R. Once the glass master contains your data, it is metallized and used to create metal stampers for the CD/DVD injection molding machines. Your CDs or DVDs are then ‘pressed’ or ‘stamped’ using these stampers.

Q. What are the differences between spot colors (PMS) and 4-color (CMYK) process printing?A. Spot colors process printing uses various inks, referred to as PMS colors, that are mixed to the specific color you want to print. You may choose these colors from a swatch book to obtain a more accurate match. Spot colors printing process usually results in a more vibrant and truer color-which is best for large areas of solid coloration. 4-color process printing layers four different colors of ink (cyan, magenta, yellow and black (CMYK)) to create a multitude of colors. Process printing (CMYK) gives you a wider range of print options and color flexibility. For best results with 4-color process, Media Direct recommends printing on a white background, called a flood coat. We offer expert knowledge and assistance so you are sure to select the best process printing for your project.

Q. What is white flood coat? A. Also called white base or white mask. A White Flood is the coat of ink that is applied first to a disc face print. This flood-coat is often used with 4-color process printing. A CD/DVD is originally reflective silver in color. The White flood-coat acts as a base-coat or primer for the colors printed on it, recreating the effect of printing on White paper. Without the flood-coat background, colors may not be as bright or vibrant as they would print with the darker Silver background. If the design calls for silver background to show through some part of the design, the white flood can be omitted.

Q. Where can I get templates to set up my disc artwork?A. We are pleased to offer various resources, templates and specifications for setting up your artwork. You can find many of the templates here on our website. Looking for something you don’t see, contact your Account Manager for additional questions or assistance.Q. What do DVD-5, DVD-9, DVD-10, and DVD-18 mean? A. These terms refer to single sided, double sided, single layer, and dual layer disks. The numbers represent, in round figures, the number of gigabytes the disk can hold. Using these terms is easier than using terms such as "Single Sided," etc.

Q. Do you ship orders internationally? A. Yes, with orders outside of the continental US shipping costs will be estimated and emailed to you for your approval prior to the start of production.

Q. Do I need to have my CD or DVD master on any particular kind of disc? A. No, replication can begin with any CD-R or DVD-R. We do recommend you begin with quality media- taking your information to a professional mastering facility is always a good start if you are choosing to replicate your project. If you are burning the master CD-R or DVD-R yourself, we recommend that you use whatever disc verification or error checking features your particular software may have. Replication (as opposed to duplication) will reproduce the contents of your original CD or DVD bit-for-bit, so a simple rule of thumb is that the finished product will sound or look exactly as good as what you send us.

Media Direct LLC in Seattle at (503) 313-0676 or in Portland at (206) 919-0480